DSP04396 - Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
This beautiful painted lady is a migrant to our shores, from North Africa and the continent.
A lot of these butterflies are being spotted across the UK and Ireland, experts believe we are seeing a mass emergence that happens every 10 years.
Weather conditions and food sources are providing ideal conditions.
Sightings have prompted countless pictures to be posted to social media.
About 11 million of the butterflies were seen in the UK during the last "painted lady year" in 2009.
Taken in the garden
DSP04396 - Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
This beautiful painted lady is a migrant to our shores, from North Africa and the continent.
A lot of these butterflies are being spotted across the UK and Ireland, experts believe we are seeing a mass emergence that happens every 10 years.
Weather conditions and food sources are providing ideal conditions.
Sightings have prompted countless pictures to be posted to social media.
About 11 million of the butterflies were seen in the UK during the last "painted lady year" in 2009.
Taken in the garden